SMS to Slack vs Twilio + Zapier

You can connect Twilio to Slack with Zapier. Here is what that setup gives you, and what you still have to build and maintain.

Add to Slack

Twilio + Zapier

How the do-it-yourself setup works

A common setup has three parts. It works well for simple alerts, and it is cheap to start.

  1. 1

    Buy a Twilio number

    Create a Twilio account, buy a number, and register it for US messaging if you text US customers.

  2. 2

    Build a Zap for inbound texts

    When Twilio receives a text, the Zap posts the message to a Slack channel.

  3. 3

    Build a Zap for replies

    When someone posts in Slack, a second Zap sends the text back through Twilio.

Comparison

Where it gets hard

Simple alerts are easy. A real two-way conversation needs more work.

Setup
SMS to Slack: Add to Slack, pick a number, choose a channel
Twilio + Zapier: A Twilio account, a number and at least two Zaps
Replies in threads
SMS to Slack: Built in. One thread per conversation.
Twilio + Zapier: You store which thread belongs to which phone number
Photos, audio and video (MMS)
SMS to Slack: Built in
Twilio + Zapier: You pass the media through each Zap
Group messages
SMS to Slack: Built in, where the number supports it
Twilio + Zapier: You build it
Contact names
SMS to Slack: Built in
Twilio + Zapier: You build it
Voicemail transcripts
SMS to Slack: Built in
Twilio + Zapier: You build a separate voice setup in Twilio
US 10DLC registration
SMS to Slack: From inside Slack
Twilio + Zapier: In the Twilio console
Bills
SMS to Slack: One bill, per number and per message part
Twilio + Zapier: One from Twilio and one from Zapier. Each Zap run uses Zapier tasks.
When something breaks
SMS to Slack: Email our support team
Twilio + Zapier: You debug the Zaps and the Twilio logs

Everything works, nothing to build

The parts that you would connect yourself are already done.

Two-way texts in Slack threads.

Each conversation is one thread. Reply in the thread and the customer gets a text. There is no mapping table to keep and no Zap to fix.

Replies in a Slack thread

Group messages.

Text several people at once and keep everyone in the same conversation.

A group message in Slack

Voicemails, transcribed.

Calls to your number can leave a voicemail. The transcript arrives in Slack next to your texts.

A voicemail transcript in Slack

Still want to automate?

Send texts from your own code with the SMS to Slack API. Relays forward Slack messages to any phone number.

Read the API docs
A relay that forwards Slack messages to a phone

Two-way texting, threads and group messages depend on the number you choose and its country. US numbers may need an approved 10DLC campaign before replies are delivered.

Choose

Which one fits your team?

Choose SMS to Slack if

You want real conversations, not only alerts.
Threads, MMS, group messages and contact names work from the first day.
Nobody on the team wants to maintain Zaps.
We keep the integration running, and you email us if something is wrong.
You want one bill.
You pay per number and per message part. There are no Zapier tasks to count.

Build it yourself if

You only need one-way alerts.
A single Zap that posts inbound texts to Slack is simple to build.
You already pay for Twilio and Zapier.
A few more Zaps can cost less than a new tool.
You need a custom flow.
Zapier connects to many apps, so you can add steps that we do not have.

Pricing

Pay per number, not per person

Everyone in the channel can reply, and you never pay for seats. No contracts, cancel any time.

See full pricing
per phone number per month
$10
per message part, or per call minute
10¢

Free trial: a number for 7 days and up to 50 messages, no card required. Paid plans are billed from the day you upgrade.

FAQ

Questions

Can I bring my own number?
Yes. You can use your own phone number with SMS to Slack.
Which Slack messages go out as texts?
Only replies in a thread that an inbound text started. Other messages in the channel stay in Slack.
Do I need a Twilio or Zapier account?
No. SMS to Slack gives you the phone number and connects it to Slack for you.
Does SMS to Slack help with US 10DLC registration?
Yes. You can register your 10DLC brand and campaign from inside Slack. Carrier fees apply. Read the 10DLC FAQ for details.
Can I send texts from my own code?
Yes. The SMS to Slack API sends a text from any of your numbers.
Can I receive texts from short codes and services?
Yes. You can receive texts from any sender, including short codes, toll-free numbers and international numbers.

Keep reading

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Anthony Accomazzo
Anthony Accomazzo
Founder at Sequin.io

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Add to Slack